Eric Dane was set to return to the spotlight at the 2025 Emmy Awards, joining his Grey’s Anatomy castmates for a highly anticipated reunion. But when the moment arrived, “McSteamy” was missing from the stage as the effects of his “nasty disease” sidelined him and landed him in hospital.

For years, Eric Dane captivated audiences as Dr. Mark Sloan – the irresistibly charming “McSteamy” – on Grey’s Anatomy, later earning critical acclaim for his role in HBO’s Euphoria.

But in April 2025, the 52-year-old actor revealed he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive and incurable neurological disease more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s.

“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People at the time, expressing gratitude for his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters, Billie and Georgia. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next…I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”